Can Dogs Eat Maltitol? Caution — Causes Digestive Upset, Watch for Chocolate Combinations
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Maltitol is found in many sugar-free products especially sugar-free chocolate. It is less toxic than xylitol but causes significant digestive upset and is often found with chocolate.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Digestive upset: diarrhea from osmotic effect. Sugar-free chocolate combinations: additional theobromine concern.
If Your Dog Ate This
Monitor for diarrhea and theobromine symptoms if in chocolate product. Call vet if large amount.
What to Avoid
all intentional maltitol, sugar-free chocolate products
Preparation & Serving
Check sugar-free candy labels. Monitor for diarrhea. Chocolate combinations require additional monitoring.
Did you know?
Maltitol is derived from maltose which comes from corn starch. It was developed specifically for the sugar-free chocolate market because it melts at a temperature similar to sugar making it ideal for chocolate confectionery.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never intentionally
- Serving (medium dog)
- never intentionally
- Serving (large dog)
- never intentionally
- Calories (per 100g)
- 237
- Safe frequency
- Never intentionally
Source
What You Need to Know
Maltitol is used in sugar-free chocolate products. Unlike xylitol it does not cause liver failure. However it causes osmotic diarrhea and is often combined with chocolate presenting both a digestive and theobromine concern. Check all sugar-free sweet labels.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
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